When is a matrix a geographical network?

Zachary P. Neal, Ben Derudder and Michiel van Meeteren

No 6jhzm, OSF Preprints from Center for Open Science

Abstract: All geographical networks can be represented as matrices, but not all matrices in geography represent networks. In this paper, we argue that a matrix must have at least three properties to represent a geographical network. First, the rows and columns must represent nodes defined at a scale that is relevant for the relationship of interest. Second, the matrix entries must represent relationships between nodes that have significance beyond dyads. Third, the values of the matrix entries must be accompanied by evidence or a rationale that they are a valid operationalization of the theoretical relationship of interest. We illustrate the relevance of the three properties through examples from the city networks literature. This contribution will guide scholars to evaluate whether a network analysis of their spatial data matrix is advisable.

Date: 2022-11-28
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-net and nep-ure
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:osf:osfxxx:6jhzm

DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/6jhzm

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